Building outfitting system with common accessory-mounting feature

ABSTRACT

A prefabricated system for outfitting a building space includes an architectural product (such as a full-height permanent building wall, a post-and-beam product with overhead frame, and a drywall-covered wall), a furniture product (such as a partial-height wall, a partition, and a desking system), and a plurality of accessories. The architectural product includes a structural member with horizontal and vertical accessory-mounting T-slots, and the furniture product includes structural trim pieces with identical vertical and horizontal accessory-mounting T-slots. The plurality of accessories are constructed to stably engage any of the accessory-mounting slots at a selected location along the slots. Some accessories can be attached to and extend between the two products, such as an accessory screen that extends between a post of a post-and-beam system and an end of a partition system.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to prefabricated systems for outfitting abuilding space, where architectural and furniture systems areconstructed to utilize selectable accessories. Architectural systems aresystems that are typically considered to be building fixtures and thelike attached to the building, and that “look and feel” like permanentbuilding structures. For example, in this application, the term“architectural systems” include items such as outer walls, anouter-wall-covering system, an interior-wall-covering system, aninterior-wall-forming system, a post-and-beam overhead-frame system, abuilding-column-covering system, a raised floor system, a drop ceilingsystem, and an overhead utility-carrying bulkhead system. Contrastingly,furniture systems are systems that a user directly touches and engagesand interacts with while doing their job. Furniture systems arecharacteristically rearrangeable and re-configurable and lesspermanently attached to a building structure such that they can be moreeasily removed. For example, in this application, the term “furnituresystems” include items such as a full-height partition system, apartial-height partition system, a partition-attached furniture system,a free-standing furniture system, a cabinet/storage system, and thelike. The accessories include items such as shelves, lighting, teamingaccessories (such as marker boards, electronic products, materialstorage products, and work surfaces), space-separating devices (such asprivacy screens, hanging panels), personal and customizing products,material-handling accessories, signage, storage products, electronicindividual devices (such as telephones, CD players, palm-top andhand-held devices, and recharging devices), and the like.

Prefabricated systems are often used to subdivide and outfit a buildingspace. The advantages are many. Typically, prefabrication lowers cost bytaking advantage of mass production. Further, a “better-looking” officeresults since all of the subsystems are designed to go together visuallyand are often designed for interconnectability. For example, see thesystem described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,784,843 (to Greer et al). However,though the overall system is designed to look good together and formaximum interconnectability, each subsystem tends to have its own set ofaccessories. This can be inefficient, frustrating, and cost-inefficient,since different accessories are required for each subsystem, even whenthe two accessories are basically for the same purpose. Part of theproblem is driven by the fact that each subsystem necessarily has adifferent frame that presents a different attachment structure to attachto. For example, a freestanding post of a post-and-beam subsystem isvery long but has a small horizontal cross-sectional shape limited to afew inches square, while a partition in the partition subsystem has afreestanding frame that is very thin but several feet long and high,while the frame of an architectural wall-covering subsystem is typicallyvery thin and is not freestanding (i.e. it attaches to a buildingpermanent wall). For these reasons and related structural reasons, eachsubsystem tends to require different bracketry for supportingaccessories. It is desirable to provide accessories and anaccessory-mounting system that is common between different furnituresubsystems, while still maintaining the advantages of each separatesystem.

Modern offices are becoming smaller and smaller, and there is anincreasing effort to optimize use of office space as well as to makemaximum use of every bit of available space. Further, business ownershave found that it can be very important to allow workers to customizetheir areas and make the areas their “own”, because workers will tend towork harder, have a better attitude, and be more productive. Further,business owners have discovered that different areas may need differentfurniture systems. For example, team areas may need a more open floorplan and larger accessories suitable for supporting large groupactivities, while office areas will tend to need isolated privateoffices optimized for efficient utilization of space and workflow, andfor customization, individualization, and privacy. Nonetheless, despitethe different needs of different areas, common accessories aredesirable. For example, shelves, screening, storage, paper handling, andlighting are often required in all areas.

One area that often causes problems with a common mounting scheme foraccessories is trim. Trim, by definition, covers up (or at leastsubstantially covers up) the furniture system to make the furniture“visually clean”. This makes it difficult to attach accessories to theunderlying framework, since the underlying framework must be accessedthrough differently oriented slits and crevices, and/or throughspecially-bored holes. Further, bracketry must be designed to supportthe weight of an accessory during use, and provide the desired amount ofstability to allow comfortable use. The combination of differentlyoriented slits and crevices, and different shapes of the supportstructure in various architectural and furniture systems, results in awide variety of differently shaped brackets, accessories, and assemblyschemes. The above problems are complicated by the fact that trim istypically not structural, but instead is a low-cost aesthetic materialnot able to support significant loads nor able to withstand significantstresses or abrasion during use.

Accordingly, an apparatus is desired solving the aforementioned problemsand having the aforementioned advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a system for outfitting abuilding space include an architectural product having a firststructural member with a first accessory mount feature, and a furnitureproduct having a second structural member with a second accessory mountfeature that is substantially similar to the first accessory mountfeature. A plurality of accessories are provided that are eachconfigured to stably engage the first accessory mount feature and alsoconfigured to stably engage the second accessory mount feature. In anarrower form, at least one of the plurality of accessories is attachedto the first accessory mount feature and at least another one of theplurality of accessories is attached to the second accessory mountfeature.

In one narrower aspect, the architectural product includes at least oneof a full-height permanent building wall, a post-and-beam product withoverhead frame, and a drywall-covered wall. Also in a narrower aspect,the furniture product includes at least one of a partial-height wall, apartition, and a desking system. In yet narrower aspects, thearchitectural product includes a post-and-beam product with overheadframe, and the furniture product includes a partial-height freestandingpartition system.

In another aspect of the present invention, a prefabricated system foroutfitting a building space includes an architectural system configuredto finish portions of a building space and a partition systemconstructed and adapted to subdivide the building space for office use.The architectural system includes a first structural member defining atleast one longitudinally-extending first accessory-mounting slot withfirst blind surfaces, and the partition system includes at least onelongitudinally-extending second accessory-mounting slot with secondblind surfaces. A plurality of accessories each have a base shaped tomateably selectively engage the first blind surfaces of the firstaccessory-mounting slots and shaped to mateably selectively engage thesecond blind surfaces of the second accessory-mounting slots, and eachinclude at least one fastener associated with the selected accessorythat, when engaged with an associated one of the first and second blindsurfaces, is shaped to releasably engage the associated blind surfacesto retain the associated accessory in a selected position along theassociated accessory-mounting slot.

In another aspect of the present invention, a system for outfitting abuilding space includes a post-and-beam system including an overheadframework with beams and a plurality of posts supporting the overheadframework, at least one of the posts and beams including a firstaccessory-mounting feature in the form of a first elongated slot. Thesystem further includes a partition system having a plurality ofinterconnected partition panels, the partition panels each including atop surface and end surfaces, with at least one of the top and endsurfaces having a second accessory-mounting feature in the form of asecond elongated slot. The system also includes a plurality ofaccessories each configured to matably and stably engage a selected oneof the first and second accessory-mounting features to retain theaccessory to the selected one mounting feature.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method comprises stepsof providing an architectural product and a partition product, eachhaving an identical elongated mount feature; and providing a pluralityof accessories adapted for mounting to the mount feature. The methodfurther includes selectively attaching at least one of the plurality ofaccessories to the mount feature on a selected one of the architecturalproduct and the partition product. In a narrower form, the methodincludes also selectively attaching the one accessory to the other ofthe architectural product and the partition product, with the selectedone accessory extending between the architectural product and thepartition product.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present inventionwill be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art uponstudying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an office arrangement includingpartitions with trim pieces embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the partition frames of FIG. 1,including the top trim piece, end trim piece, and side covers explodedaway from the closest one of the partitions;

FIG. 3 is a cross section of the trim piece shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 3Ais a cross section of a modified trim piece similar to FIG. 3 but havinga top recess;

FIG. 4-7 are top, side, bottom, and end views of a partition frame fromFIG. 2;

FIGS. 8-9 are cross sections taken along the lines VIII-VIII and IX-IXin FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the circled area X in FIG. 2;

FIG. 11 is a cross section taken along the line XI-XI in FIG. 10,including a trim piece mounted thereto; and

FIGS. 12-16, FIGS. 17-19, FIG. 20, and FIG. 21 show various accessoriesadapted for engagement with the T-slot of the trim piece of FIG. 1.

More particularly, in regard to FIGS. 12-21:

FIG. 15 is a cross section taken along the line XV-XV in FIG. 14;

FIG. 15A is an end view of the tunnel-shaped wire manager, which fitsinto the end piece of the wire manager as shown in FIG. 13 in phantomlines;

FIG. 16 is a cross section taken along the line XVI-XVI in FIG. 13,which shows an inner end of the end piece of the wire manager, and itsengagement with the T-slot in the trim piece, and the engagement of thetunnel-shaped wire manager with the end piece;

FIG. 17-18 are side and bottom views of a hook accessory, with FIG. 19showing engagement of the hook in the T-slot in the trim piece;

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary perspective view of a partition including aT-slot top trim piece and a T-slot end trim piece, and including atop-of-panel mounted screen and its engagement with the T-slot of a toptrim piece, and including a side-mounted hook and its engagement withthe T-slot of the end trim piece, and including a side-mounted erasablemarker board and its engagement with the T-slot of the end trim piece;and

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an inverted L-bracket adapted formounting a panel on a face of a partition as shown in FIG. 1, includingshowing its engagement with a T-slot of a top trim piece.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a building space including thepartition system shown in FIG. 1, and further including a post-and-beamoverhead frame system and including an architectural-wall-coveringsystem;

FIG. 23 is a cross section taken along line XXIII-XXIII in FIG. 22,showing the slot-forming structure integrated into thebuilding-wall-covering system;

FIG. 23A is a perspective view of the extrusion shown in FIG. 23; FIG.23B is a perspective view of an alternative slot-forming member similarto the one shown FIG. 23A but having a different slot structure therein;

FIGS. 24 and 24A are cross sections taken along the line XXIV-XXIV andthe line XXIXa-XXIVa in FIG. 22, showing a shape of the post of thepost-and-beam system;

FIG. 25 is a fragmentary view of the slot in the post of FIG. 24, andshowing the attachment structure for attaching an accessory to the slot;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of two hook accessories, one hook beingexploded away from the slot structure of the overhead framework of thepost-and-beam system, and one hook being engaged with the slotstructure;

FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view of a screen adapted forattachment between the post on one side and to a partition on the otherside (see the screen in the lower left corner of FIG. 22), the explodedview showing two different attachment connectors for each corner of thescreen;

FIG. 28 is an exploded enlarged view of one of the connectors shown inFIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a cross section of a post similar to FIG. 24, including twowire manager accessories attached to the post, the first being locatedbetween T-slots on the post and the second being attached in front of aT-slot on the post; and

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the bracket that secures the first wiremanager accessory to the post, the bracket being partially assembled tobetter show its attachment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The illustrated prefabricated systems (FIG. 1) for outfitting a buildingspace are provided with a common accessory attachment feature. Aplurality of accessories are provided that can be attached to the commonaccessory attachment feature, thus providing a highly adaptable andflexible system that facilitates customization and optimal utilizationof the building space. The illustrated prefabricated systems include apartition system 30 (FIGS. 1-22), a building-wall-covering system 200(FIGS. 22-23B), and a post-and-beam overhead frame system 260 (FIGS. 22and 24-26 and 29-30). However, it is contemplated that numerousadditional systems can be easily constructed using the present inventiveconcepts. Accordingly, it is not believed to be necessary to show everysuch possible system, in order for the present claims to cover suchproducts. Therefore, the term “architectural systems” as used herein isintended to include items such as an outer-wall-covering system, aninterior-wall-covering system, an interior-wall-forming system, apost-and-beam overhead frame system, a building-column-covering system,a raised floor system, a drop ceiling system, and an overheadutility-carrying bulkhead system. Also, the term “furniture systems” isintended to include items such as a full-height partition system, apartial-height partition system, a partition-attached furniture system,a free-standing furniture system, a cabinet/storage system, and thelike.

Partition System with T-Slot Structure

A partition system 30 (FIG. 1) includes partitions 31 adjustablyinterconnected and outfitted to form offices. Tops and exposed ends ofthe partitions 31 are covered with top and end trim pieces 33 and 34,for aesthetically covering and protecting the partitions. Theillustrated trim pieces 33 and 34 are made of structural material andhave beefed-up sections with elongated T-slots formed in their exposedsurface, and further, they are securely attached to the partitions 31.By this arrangement, a plurality of different accessories can beadjustably mounted to tops and ends of the trim pieces 33 and 34 on thepartitions 31. The illustrated accessories include a wire manager system35, a hook 36, a screen 37, an upright/lateral erasable marker board 38,a hanging binder bin 39, a hanging shelf 40, a hanging erasable markerboard 41, a top-mounted cantilevered light 42, a top-mountedcantilevered document holder 43, and a side-attached table 44, but itwill be clear to persons skilled in the art of furniture after readingthe description below that additional accessories can be developed usingthe present inventive concepts.

The present inventive concepts can be adapted for use on most anypartition or wall structure. The illustrated partitions 31 aresufficiently described below for an understanding of the presentinvention by persons skilled in this art. Nonetheless, additionaldetailed discussion of the partitions 31, their structure and advantagesof their construction can be found in the following patent applications,the entire contents of which are incorporated in their entirety byreference: co-assigned application Ser. No. 10/077,553, filed Feb. 15,2002, entitled PANEL SYSTEM; and co-assigned application Ser. No.10/076,709, filed Feb. 15, 2002, entitled PARTITION PANEL WITH MODULARAPPLIANCE MOUNTING ARRANGEMENT; and co-assigned application Ser. No.______, filed ______ (filed same day as present application), entitledPARTITION TRIM HAVING FUNCTIONAL ASPECTS.

The illustrated partitions 31 (FIG. 5) each include a frame assembly 50having two end frame members 51 and 52, a top frame member 53, and abottom frame member 54 forming a perimeter frame. The frame assembly 50may also include one or more optional intermediate frame members 55, andone or more optional intermediate accessory frame members 56. The framemembers 51-56 are covered using removable covers 57 (FIG. 1), and aresecured together to form a rigid structure suitable for supporting worksurfaces 58, and other furniture and accessories commonly associatedwith office and subdivision of building space. The illustrated frameassembly 50 further includes adjustable glides or “feet” 59 so that thepartitions 31 can be leveled to accommodate unevenness in floors.

The top frame member 53 (FIG. 8) has a cross section with the flatcenter wall 60 and upwardly protruding rectangular side ridges 61 and 62that define a center channel 63 between them. The ridges 61 and 62include upper/outer corners with a horizontal row oflongitudinally-extending short slots 63′, which can be engaged withhooked brackets for supporting furniture articles such as binder bins,shelves, and the like. The center wall 60 includes a series of holes 64with threaded nuts 65 tack-welded under the holes 64. Long bolts 66 areextended through mating holes in the trim piece 33 and threadably intothe holes 64 and nuts 65. Depending on a depth of the channel 63, thenumber of bolts 66, and a lateral strength requirement of theattachment, a foam block 67 (FIG. 11) or similar stabilizer can be addedto each connection. If desired, the block 67 can have concave sides toallow for longitudinal passage of wires past the block 67. In FIG. 11, aconnector plate 67′ extends into channels 63 in adjacent frames 50, andscrews 67′ secure the connector plate 67′ to the frames 50 to align andinterconnect the frames 50.

The end frame member 51 (and 52) (FIG. 9) is similar to the top framemember 53, although the channel that it defines is much shallower.Specifically, the end frame member 51 includes a cross section with aflat center wall 70, and outwardly protruding rectangular side ridges 71and 72 that define a channel 73 between them. The ridges 71 and 72include outer corners with a vertical row of longitudinally-extendingshort slots 73′, which can be engaged with hooked brackets forsupporting furniture articles. The center wall 70 includes a series ofholes 74 with threaded nuts 75 tack-welded under the holes 74. Longbolts 76 are extended through mating holes in the trim piece 34 andthreadably into the holes 74 and nuts 75. Blocks similar to blocks 67can be used if increased stability of the bolts 76 is needed, but it iscontemplated that stabilizing blocks will not be needed due to the shortlength of the bolts 76. Also, it is noted that the frame members 51 (and52) are stabilized by a reinforcement 78 under center wall 70 (FIG. 9).

The top trim piece 33 (FIG. 3) has a width and length chosen to cover atop surface of the partition 31. Notably, the length of the top trimpieces 33 can be longer or shorter than individual partitions 31, aslong as a total length equals a length of an interconnected run ofpartitions 31. (Notice in FIG. 1 that some top trim pieces 33 span twopartitions 31.) The illustrated trim piece 33 (FIG. 3) includes flat topand side surfaces 80 and 81, and includes a bottom surface 82 with flatlandings 83 and 84 for resting on the protruding ridges 61 and 62. Thebottom surface 82 further includes a down-ridge 85 that extendspartially into the channel 63. The down-ridge 85 has a width so that itsedges abut the inside corners of the ridges 61 and 62, thus centeringthe trim piece 33 on the top frame member 53. If increased stability isdesired, the outer edges of the side surfaces 80 and 81 can include adown lip so that the protruding ridges 61 and 62 are positivelycaptured. A top surface of the top trim piece 33 is relatively flat,with the exception of a center area where the T-slot 87 is formed. TheT-slot 87 includes a neck portion 88 and a wide portion 89 with blindsurfaces 90 and 91. A bottom flange 92 forms a bottom of the T-slot 87.Holes 93 are bored through the bottom flanges 92, and each includes arecess 94 for receiving a head of the bolt 66. By this arrangement, whenthe bolts 66 are in an assembled position, the head of the bolt 66 isremoved from the T-slot 87, so that the bolt 66 does not interfere withuse of the T-slot 87. It is also noted that the top trim piece 33 couldbe attached by extending screws through the top trim piece 33 atpositions outside the T-slot 87 and into the side ridges 61 and 62.

A cross sectional shape of the trim piece 33 can be varied foraesthetics and functional reasons. The illustrated cross sections shapeof trim piece 33 includes a flat top surface 80 and flat side surfaces81 that define a rectangular shape. However, the top surface can bemodified as shown by top trim piece 33A, which includes top surface 80′with a dish-shaped recess 96. This dish shape has an aesthetic appeal,and when used with the wire manager system 35, also provides increasedroom for routing wiring along a top of the partition 31, as describedbelow. It is noted that the trim piece 33 can span aligned adjacentpartitions 31 (see FIG. 1, the top left two partitions). It is alsonoted that the dish-shaped recess 96 could be divided in half by avertical flange, so as to subdivide and separate recess 96 into twochannels, one being for communication wiring and one being for powerelectrical wiring.

The illustrated slots 87 work particularly well, since accessories canbe positioned anywhere along the top or ends of the partitions 31.However, a scope of the present inventive concepts is believed toinclude other attachment features, such as a protruding ridge (e.g. aT-shaped ridge), a plurality of discrete locations instead of continuousslot (e.g. a series of holes or short slots, not unlike the slots 63′ intop frame member 53). Hook and loop material could also be used.

The illustrated end trim piece 34 (FIG. 9, but also see FIGS. 1 and 3)has the same cross sectional shape as the top trim piece 33, andaccordingly, a second description is not necessary for an understandingof trim piece 34. The illustrated end trim piece 33 is interchangeablewith top trim piece 33, except perhaps for its length, which will varydepending upon the partitions 31.

As noted above, the illustrated accessories include a wire managersystem 35, a hook 36, a screen 37, an erasable marker board 38, ahanging binder bin 39, a hanging shelf 40, a hanging erasable markerboard 41, a top-mounted cantilevered light 42, a top-mountedcantilevered document holder 43, and a side-attached table 44. Eachaccessory includes at least one anchor that operably engages a blindsurface in the T-slot and further includes a base opposing the anchor,so that as the anchor is drawn toward the base, the arrangementclampingly and stably retains the accessory to an exposed outer surfaceof the trim piece 33 (or 34) and hence to the associated partition 31.Depending on the functional needs of the accessory, such as the need forstability, the need to provide torque to resist lateral forces (such asmay occur when a person is writing on an erasable marker board), theneed for styling and/or aesthetics, and other considerations, thevisible portion of the base can be varied, or multiple bases and anchorscan be used, or both.

The illustrated wire manager system 35 (FIG. 1) includes a tunnelelement 100, a terminator element 101, and an overhead-utility down-feedelement 102. The overhead-utility down-feed element 102 is adapted tocommunicate utilities, such as wires, downwardly from a ceiling or froman overhead framework of a post-and-beam furniture system. The tunnelelement 100 has an inverted U-shaped cross sectional shape (FIG. 15A)that forms an inner passageway 103, and has a width selected so that thelegs of the U-shape can rest on a top trim piece 33 of a partition 31.The overhead-utility down-feed element 102 (FIG. 1) includes a side wallfacing the direction of the tunnel element 100, with a cut-out 102′shaped to mateably engage the tunnel element 100, such that the tunnelelement 100 can be extended into the cut-out for optimal aesthetics. Atthe other end of the tunnel element 100, the terminator element 101 ispositioned. The terminator element 101 (FIGS. 12-16) has ahalf-cup-shaped body 104 with a lip 105 forming an open mouth forreceiving the end of the tunnel element 100. A base flange 106 extendsaround the down side of the body 104, and is adapted to rest on the toptrim piece 33. A first pair of legs 107 and 108 extend downwardly from amiddle area of the cup-shaped body 104. The legs 107 and 108 areresilient, and include hooks 109 and 110 on their ends that are shapedto releasably engage opposing sides of the T-slot 87 to retain the body104 on the top trim piece 33. Additional secondary legs 111 can belocated between the legs 107 and the sides of the body, for providingadditional stability and strength to the body 104. It is noted that thetunnel element 100 can extend longer or shorter than the partition 31,and longer or shorter than the top trim 33 on which it rests.

In FIG. 1, the down-feed element 102 drops wires 114 to one end of thepartition 31, and the tunnel element 100 extends across a top of andpast that partition 31 onto the top of a second partition 31. Thisallows wires 114 located within the tunnel element 100 to becommunicated across a top of the first partition 31 and then down intothe second partition 31, without having to route the wiring through thefirst partition 31 into the second partition 31. (The wires 114 areextended along the T-slot 87 to light 42.) This arrangement of wiremanagement greatly facilitates office rearrangements, since the wiringis easy to reach, see, and re-route.

The hook 36 (FIGS. 17-19) includes a center stem 116 with a hook element117 on one end and a transverse segment or anchor 118 on its other end.The stem 116 and anchor 118 form an inverted T-shape. A base or disk 119is attached to the center stem 116 at a location spaced from the anchor118. The outside of the disk 119 is threaded, and a nut 120 is threadedonto the disk 119. To insert the hook 36 into the T-slot, the anchor 118is oriented so that it aligns with the neck portion 88 of the T-slot 87.In this position, the anchor 118 fits through the neck portion 88 of theT-slot 87. The stem 116 and anchor 118 are then rotated 90-degrees,which causes the anchor 118 to move into the wide portion 89 of the slot87, with its ends engaging the blind surfaces 90 and 91 on the T-slot87. The nut 120 is then rotated while the hook element 117 is heldstationary, such that the nut 120 threadably moves downwardly on thedisk 119 until the nut 120 clamps against the marginal material of thetop trim piece 33 forming the neck portion 88. Due to a width of the nut120 and of the anchor 118, the hook 36 is stably held on the top trimpiece 33. The hook 36 can similarly be attached to the end trim piece 34(see FIG. 1).

The screen 37 (FIG. 20) includes a bent-wire frame 123 covered with ascreen fabric material 124. The frame 123 includes a lower horizontalframe member 125 with an up-bend 126 at its corners. The frame 123includes side frame members 127 with foot sections 128 that extend belowthe up-bend 126. The foot sections 128 are not unlike the stem 116. Thefoot sections 128 include a transverse segment or anchor 129 on itsother end, which forms an inverted T-shape. A base 130 is attached tothe foot section 128 at a location spaced from the anchor 129. The base130 includes a disk 130′ that is threaded, and a nut 131 that isthreaded onto the disk 130′. To insert the anchor 129 into the T-slot,the anchor 129 is oriented so that it aligns with the wide portion 89 ofthe T-slot 87. In this position, the anchor 129 slops into an end of theT-slot, with the anchor 129 engaging the blind surfaces 90 and 91 on theT-slot 87. The nut 131 is then rotated while the frame 123 isstationary, such that the nut 131 threadably moves downwardly on thedisk 130′ until the nut 131 clamps against the marginal material of thetop trim piece 33 forming the neck portion 88. Due to a width of the nut131 and of the anchor 129, the screen 37 is stably held on the top trimpiece 33. The screen 37 can similarly be attached to the end trim piece34 (see FIG. 1). In such case, the screen 37 extends laterally outwardfrom the partition 31 in a plane of the partition 31.

It is contemplated that a window (e.g. a plexiglass with extrusionperimeter frame), or translucent panel, or opaque panel (e.g. a slatwallsection, or a laminate with colored plastic outer surface or wood grainouter surface) can be attached to the trim pieces 33 and/or 34 in amanner like screen 37.

Two erasable marker boards 38 and 41 are shown in FIG. 1, with markerboard 38 extending laterally or upwardly from the partition 31, and themarker board 41 lying against a face of the partition 31. Specifically,the marker board 38 includes a perimeter channel frame 135 with whiteerasable marker board material 136 inside the channel frame 135. Twolegs 137 extend laterally from the perimeter channel frame 135. Eachinclude a threaded stem, an anchor, a base/disk, and a threaded nut,similar to those described above for the screen 37. The marker board 38can be attached to the top trim piece 33 or to the end trim piece 34 (asshown), and extends outwardly from the partition 31. The marker board 41includes an L-shaped bracket 139 (FIG. 21) having a top leg 140 (FIG.21) that extends across the top trim piece 33. A pair of stems 145,anchors 146, disks 147, and threaded nuts 148 extend from the top leg140 for clamping engagement with the T-slot 87 on the top trim piece 33.The bracket 139 includes a down leg 141 that extends downwardly flushagainst a face of the partition 31. The down leg 141 has a length sothat it positions an erasable surface 142 (FIG. 1) at a desired heighton the face of the partition 31. The illustrated erasable board 41 has aperimeter channel frame 143 and a white erasable surface 144 like themarker board 38.

The hanging binder bin 39 (FIG. 1) is mounted on an L-bracket 139′similar to the L-bracket 139 for the erasable marker board, but theL-bracket 139′ is beefed up for the additional weight that it is likelyto carry. A pair of brackets 139′ can be used if necessary to supportthe binder bin 149.

The hanging shelf 40 (FIG. 1) is mounted on a pair of bent-wire sidesupports 150. The supports 150 have a triangular end with a horizontalsegment 151 adapted to carry a shelf panel 152 in a horizontal position.The supports 150 further have an angled segment 153 to a top tip at thetop trim piece 33. A rear leg of bent-wire 155 extends from the top tipacross a top of the top trim piece 33, and includes a stem, an anchor, abase/disk, and a threaded nut, as previously described.

The top-mounted cantilevered light 42 and the top-mounted cantilevereddocument holder 43 each include a panel base plate 160 that engages atop of the top trim piece 33. Each include a stem, anchor, (base plate160), and at least one nut 161 for clamping retention to the T-slot 87of the top trim piece 33.

It is contemplated that furniture can be attached to the slots 87. Forexample, the side-attached table 44 includes a stem, anchor, base, andnut for retaining the table 44 adjacent the end trim piece 34 of thepartition 31. It is contemplated that benches, chairs, or the like couldalso be coupled to or tethered to the partition 31.

An advantage of mounting the accessories 3544 anywhere along thepartitions 31 is that it provides infinite and easy adjustability. Thislets the office worker locate accessories in optimal locations andpositions for workflow, and lets the worker adjust for changing needsand preferences. Customization of an office leads to individuality,identity, and personality of a workspace, as well as pride and ownershipof the space. The user can easily adjust his office to changing needswithout requiring skilled trades assistance in order to make the change.Further, the accessories are mounted in areas not previously used, suchas areas directly above the partitions and off free ends of thepartitions, which areas were previously wasted space and/or at leastunder-utilized.

Building Wall-Covering System with T-Slot Structure

The building-wall-covering system 200 (FIG. 22) includes an elongatedmounting member 201 having a T-shaped section 202 (FIG. 23A) shaped forattachment to conventional wall-forming studs 203 (FIG. 23), and havinga second section 204 shaped for supporting edges of drywall sheets 205and for forming an accessory-mounting feature, (i.e. T-slot 206). Inparticular, the T-shaped section 202 includes a long flange 207 adaptedto fit between and matably engage opposing C-shaped metal studs 203 andtransverse flange 208 s forming a top part of the “T” shape. Asillustrated, conventional drywall screws 209′ are extended through theboth studs 203 and the flange 207. Alternatively, the flanges 207 and208 can be abutted against a single stud, such as a 2×4 wood stud, andnailed securely thereto.

The second section 204 is formed by a front side of the transverseflange 208 and by a box-like configured section 210 located opposite thelong flange 207. The edges 211 of the drywall sheets 205 are abuttedagainst sides of the configured section 210 and against the front sideof the transverse flange 208, where they are screwed in place usingscrews 212. It is noted that additional flanges 208′ can be extendedfrom a front surface 213 of the configured section 210 in a directionparallel the transverse flange 208 to form a pocket that captures theedge 211, if desired.

The front surface 213 of configured section 210 has a depth and width,allowing it to form the accessory-mounting feature 206. The illustratedsection 210 includes a neck portion 215 and a recessed wide portion 216forming the T-slot, with blind surfaces 217 and 218 being present forengaging an anchor as previously described in regard to accessories35-44 attached to partitions 31. The illustrated mounting member 201 inFIG. 23A is extruded. However, it is contemplated that the mountingmember 201 can be made in different ways. For example, the modifiedmounting member 201′ (FIG. 23B) is potentially rollformed or made as aweldment. Also, the accessory-mounting feature (206) can comprisedifferent structures other than a T-slot. For example, theaccessory-mounting feature 206′ comprises a series of vertically spaced,horizontally-extending short slots 220 and/or alternatively comprisesholes 221. In mounting member 201′, an optional end flange 222 isprovided that engages sidewalls 223 and 224 and front wall 225 of the“configured section” in a manner that stabilizes the cross sectionagainst a parallelogram-type collapse.

A trim piece 226 (FIG. 23) can be attached to the mounting member 201(or 201′) to aesthetically cover the face of the mounting member 201when the accessory-mounting feature 206 is not in use. Advantageously,the trim piece 226 eliminates the need to mud, tape, and sand joints inthe drywall, thus saving considerable time and expense. The trim piece226 includes a plate-like cover portion 227 having a width sufficient tocover the heads of the screws 212. A retainer 228 is provided on a backof the trim piece 226, which as illustrated comprises a pair ofresilient legs with hooks 229 shaped to frictionally engage the blindsurfaces 217 and 218 of the mounting feature 206 (or 206′).

It is contemplated that an extrusion or roll-formed mounting member likemember 201 can be used on a raised floor, or a drop ceiling, or abuilding column cover, or on an interior-wall-covering system. In suchcase, the drywall sheets (205) would be replaced with an acceptablepanel, such as a floor panel for a raised floor, or a ceiling panel in adrop ceiling. A system of parallel T-slots or an orthogonal grid ofT-slots would be created for attachment of accessories thereto.

Post-and-Beam System with T-Slot Structure

The illustrated post-and-beam overhead frame system 260 (FIGS. 22 and24-26 and 29-30) includes horizontal beams 261 fixedly interconnected toform an overhead framework, and vertical posts 262 fixedly attached tothe overhead framework to support the overhead framework at a selectedheight. Post-and-beam products are well known in the art, and are oftenused to form teaming areas or open office arrangements. The illustratedpost-and-beam product with overhead frame is sufficiently describedbelow for an understanding by those skilled in the art. However,additional details of the post-and-beam product are described in thefollowing patent applications, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein in their entirety: co-assigned application SerialNo. ______, filing date of Mar. 1, 2002, entitled POST AND BEAMFURNITURE SYSTEM; co-assigned application Ser. No. 09/800,007, filingdate of Mar. 6, 2001, entitled EXTERNAL WIRE MANAGER FOR POST AND BEAMFURNITURE SYSTEMS; co-assigned application Ser. No. 09/800,005, filingdate of Mar. 6, 2002, entitled SERPENTINE IN-FILL PANEL FOR POST ANDBEAM FURNITURE SYSTEMS; co-assigned application Ser. No. 09/694,645,filing date of Oct. 23, 2000, entitled REMOVABLE FOOT FOR FURNITURE POSTAND METHOD FOR LEVELING SAME; and co-assigned application Ser. No.09/694,646, filing date of Oct. 23, 2000, entitled CANTILEVERED SUPPORTFOR FURNITURE BEAM.

The illustrated posts 262 (FIG. 24) of the post-and-beam system 260 havean X-shaped cross section, with four legs 264 that extend outwardly.Each leg 264 has opposing L-shaped flanges 265 that define a T-slot 266.The T-slot 266 has a neck portion 267 and a recessed wide portion 268,with blind surfaces 269 and 270. The T-slot 266 is identical to orsimilar to the T-slot 87 of the partition 31 and the T-slot 206 of thearchitectural building-wall-covering system 200. A modified post 262′includes a Y-shaped cross section (FIG. 24A), with legs 264 each formingone of the T-slots 266. A short post 262″ is identical to posts 262, butis only long enough to support a low height “fence-like” structure. (Seealso the low-height work surface 363 under the hanging screen 362.)

The horizontal beams 261 (FIG. 22) are extruded members (or rollformedmembers) and have one (or more) T-shaped slots 272 formed in theirsidewalls and extending longitudinally, and have one (or more) T-shapedslots 272′ formed in their bottom walls (FIG. 26) and extendinglongitudinally. FIG. 25 illustrates how the horizontal beams 261 aremounted to sides of the posts 262 using a connector 274. Specifically,the beams 261 include spaced-apart sidewalls 275 and 276, with astanchion 277 extended therebetween. The stanchion 277 includes atransverse wall 278 through which a clamping bolt 279 threadablyextends. An anchor 280 is positioned in the T-slot 266 on a post 262.The clamping bolt 279 engages the anchor 280 and, as the clamping bolt279 is turned, the bolt 279 telescopes in direction 281 drawing theanchor 280 with it. This results in a clamping force between the anchor280 and legs 282 of the stanchion 277, thus fixing the beam 261 to aselected post 262 at a selected height.

Accessories 35-44 and additional accessories (described below) can bemounted to the T-slots 206 of the wall-mounting member 201, or to theT-slots 266 of the post 261 and to the T-slots 272 and 272′ of the beams262. For example, a hook 285 (FIG. 26) (similar to hook 36, FIG. 1)includes a center stem 286 with hook element 287, and an anchor 288 onits end. A base or disk 289 includes a threaded exterior surface, and anut 290 operably engages the threads. The anchor 288 has a narrowdimension allowing it to fit through the narrow portion of the T-slot272′ (or T-slot 272, or 266, or 206, or 87). After the anchor 288 isinserted into the slot 272′, the anchor 288 is rotated about 90-degrees,which causes it to engage the blind surfaces of the T-slot 272′ in amanner preventing its withdrawal. As the nut 290 is rotated, itclampingly engages the marginal material forming the T-slot 272′,causing the hook 285 to become securely attached to the beam 262.

The screen 292 (FIG. 27) is configured to be attached between twoslot-forming members, such as between two posts 261, or between a post261 and an end trim piece 34 on a side of the partition 31, or between abeam 262 and a top trim piece 33 of a partition 31. For example, see thescreen 292 in FIG. 22. Also, notice the screens 292A and 292B, which areidentical to screen 292, but where screen 292A is attached between apost 262 and the T-shaped section 202 on the building-wall-coveringsystem 200, and where screen 292B is attached between an end trim piece34 of a partition 31 and the T-shaped section 202 on thebuilding-wall-covering system 200. The screen 292 (FIG. 27) includesedge-retaining extruded sections 294 and 295, each of which include atube portion 296 and gripper flanges 297. A panel of screen sheetmaterial 298 includes a first edge 299 frictionally retained by gripperflanges 297 on one side, and a second edge 300 frictionally retained bygripper flanges 297 on its other side. Two different connectors 301 and302 are provided for engagement with open ends 303 of the tubes 296. Thefirst connector 301 includes rod 304 that extends through the tubeportion 296 on the top extruded section 294. A base or fixed disk 305 isattached to each end of the rod 304, and a nut 306 is threaded onto anexterior surface of each disk 305. An anchor 307 is attached to the rod304 near each end.

The first connector 301 is adapted to engage a T-slot that extendsparallel the third and fourth edges 310 and 311 of the sheet material298. For example, the first connector 301 was used on the screen 292shown in FIG. 22 (in the foreground, i.e. the lower left portion of FIG.22), where the screen 292 is attached between a post 261 and an end trimpiece 34. The same screen 292 (including connectors 301) could also beattached below a beam 262, between the slot 272′ of the beam 262 and atop trim piece 33 of a partition 31, with the screen 292 being orientedat 90-degrees from the orientation as it is shown in FIG. 22. However,this would orient the extruded sections 294 and 295 in a verticaldirection, allowing the flexible screen material to “droop” across itswidth. Of course, the screen material could be made stiffer, such as byreplacing the flexible screen material with a rigid panel or board ofmaterial. Specifically, it is contemplated that an erasable marker boardor slatwall could be constructed by replacing the flexible screenmaterial with an erasable board material (e.g. a “white board”) and/orby replacing the extruded sections (294) with a perimeter frame thatextends completely around the screen material and that has theconnectors 301 (or 302) thereon.

The second connector 302 (FIG. 27) includes a friction member 313 havinga resilient end 314 shaped to frictionally engage an end of the tubeportion 296. A body 315 of the friction member 313 extends laterally,and forms a handle that can be used to “wind up” the screen material 298on the extruded section 294 or 295. The connector 302 includes a clampmember 316 (see also FIG. 28), having a rod section 317 (FIG. 27) thatextends through a hole in the friction member 313 into the tube portion296. A body 318 extends laterally from the rod section 317. An anchor319 and a base or disk 320 are attached to the body 318, and a nut 321is threaded onto the disk 320. Notably, the nut 321 and anchor 319 areoriented at 90-degrees from the nut and anchor of the first connector301. Thus, the second connector 302 is able to connect to the T-slots ina different direction than the first connector 301. For example, if thescreen 292 has the second connectors 302 on its opposing sides (insteadof the first connectors 301), the screen 292 can be attached under thebeam 262 to the bottom beam slot 272′ and to the top slot 87 on the toptrim piece 33 of the partition 31, with the extruded sections 294 and295 extending horizontally at top and bottom edges of the screen 292.

Two wire managers 325 and 326 are illustrated as mounted to the post 261in FIG. 29. The wire manager 325 includes a pair of straps 327 eachhaving a hook 328 on their ends and having a center hole 329. The straps327 can be arranged so that the hooks 328 engage and grip adjacent sidesof the T-slots 266 on the post 262, with the holes 329 aligned at amiddle area. When aligned, the holes 329 can be engaged by a carrotfastener 330 on a U-shaped extrusion 331. The U-shaped extrusion 331includes side flanges 332 forming grooves 333 and 334. A mating U-shapedextrusion 335 includes side flanges 336 and 337 that snap into thegrooves 333 and 334, thus forming an enclosed passageway 338 between theextrusions 331 and 335. Wires 339 can be routed along the passageway 338as needed. The wire manager 325 is conveniently located between two ofthe T-slots 266, such that a remainder of the T-slots 266 remains openand unobstructed for use.

The second wire manager 326 (FIG. 29) includes a single extrusion 341formed of flexible material. The extrusion 341 forms an enclosedpassageway 342, but one side of the extrusion 341 includes overlappingflanges 343 and 344 forming an access slit for inserting wiring 345. Apair of resilient attachment flanges 346 and 347 extend from theextrusion 341, and include oppositely facing barbs 348 and 349 shaped toresiliently engage the blind surfaces on the T-slot 266. Notably, abottom of the extrusion 314 can be cut to matably receive the tunnelelement 100 on the partition 31, if desired.

Shelves 360 (on the rear wall) (FIG. 22) and 361 (on the front post262), a hanging white board 362, and mini-workstations 363 can also beattached to the T-slots 87, 206, 266, 272, and/or 272′. The shelves 360and 361 include an L-bracket with anchors, base/disks, and nuts forsecurement, as do the mini-workstations 363.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made onthe aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of thepresent invention, and further it is to be understood that such conceptsare intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claimsby their language expressly state otherwise.

1-35. (canceled)
 36. A method comprising steps of: providing anarchitectural product and a partition product, each having asubstantially identical elongated mount feature; providing a pluralityof accessories adapted for mounting to the mount feature; andselectively attaching at least one of the plurality of accessories tothe mount feature on a selected one of the architectural product and thepartition product.
 37. (canceled)
 38. A method as set forth in claim 36,including: detaching the one accessory from the mount feature on the oneof the architectural product and the partition product; and selectivelyattaching the one accessory to the mount feature on the other one of thearchitectural product and the partition product.
 39. A method as setforth in claim 38, including: selectively attaching another one of theaccessories to the mount feature on the one of the architectural productand the partition product.
 40. A method as set forth in claim 36,wherein: said accessory providing step includes selecting a slatwall forsaid attaching step.
 41. A method as set forth in claim 36, wherein:said accessory providing step includes selecting a writable/erasableboard for said attaching step.
 42. A method as set forth in claim 36,wherein: said accessory providing step includes selecting a screen forsaid attaching step.
 43. A method as set forth in claim 36, wherein:said accessory providing step includes selecting a retractable door forsaid attaching step.
 44. A method as set forth in claim 36, wherein:said accessory providing step includes selecting a hook for saidattaching step.
 45. A method as set forth in claim 36, wherein: saidaccessory providing step includes selecting a shelf for said attachingstep.
 46. A method as set forth in claim 36, wherein: said accessoryproviding step includes selecting a work surface for said attachingstep.
 47. A method as set forth in claim 36, wherein: said accessoryproviding step includes selecting a lamp for said attaching step.
 48. Amethod as set forth in claim 36, wherein: said accessory providing stepincludes selecting a telephone for said attaching step.
 49. A method asset forth in claim 39, wherein: said accessory providing step includesselecting a hook for said attaching step; said accessory providing stepfurther includes selecting a shelf for said attaching step; saidaccessory providing step further includes selecting a work surface forsaid attaching step; said accessory providing step further includesselecting a lamp for said attaching step; and said accessory providingstep further includes selecting a telephone for said attaching step. 50.A method for dividing open office space and the like into individualworkstations, comprising: providing at least one accessory having ananchor portion thereof adapted to detachably mount the accessoryadjacent an associated one of the workstations and an accessory portionthereof configured to equip the associated workstation; providing aprefabricated partition panel furniture arrangement including aplurality of individual panels; detachably interconnecting the panels ina generally side-by-side relationship to define at least a portion ofone of the workstations; providing a panel trim member including a firstaccessory mount extending along a substantial portion of the lengththereof, with a predetermined configuration to mate with the anchorportion of the accessory for selectively mounting the accessory at oneof a variety of positions along the trim member; detachably connectingthe panel trim member with an associated one of the panels; providing aprefabricated post-and-beam furniture arrangement including at least onepost supported on a floor surface of the open office space in agenerally vertical orientation and at least one beam having at least aportion thereof supported on the post in a generally horizontalorientation, and including a second accessory mount extending along asubstantial portion of the length of the one beam, with a predeterminedconfiguration to mate with the anchor portion of the accessory forselectively mounting the accessory at one of a variety of positionsalong the one beam, and wherein the predetermined configuration of thefirst accessory mount on the panel trim member is substantiallyidentical with the predetermined configuration of the second accessorymount on the one beam, such that the anchor portion of the accessory canbe mated with both to detachably mount the accessory either on the paneltrim member or the one beam; and detachably mounting the accessory onone of the first accessory mount and the second accessory mount topersonalize the associated workstation.
 51. A method as set forth inclaim 50, including: providing the post with a section of the secondaccessory mount extending along a substantial portion of the lengththereof for selectively mounting the accessory at one of a variety ofpositions along the one post.
 52. A method as set forth in claim 51,wherein: said post-and-beam furniture providing step includes providinga short post.
 53. A method as set forth in claim 52, wherein: saidpost-and-beam furniture providing step includes providing a fence beam.54. A method as set forth in claim 53, wherein: said panel trim memberproviding step includes forming an outwardly-opening slot along the trimmember to define the first accessory mount.
 55. A method as set forth inclaim 54, wherein: said post-and-beam furniture providing step includesforming an outwardly-opening slot extending along the fence beam todefine the second accessory mount.
 56. A method as set forth in claim54, wherein: the fence beam includes a top surface, a bottom surface andopposite side surfaces; and including positioning the outwardly-openingslot on said fence beam along the top surface of the fence beam todefine a first outwardly-opening slot.
 57. A method as set forth inclaim 56, including: forming in the fence beam a secondoutwardly-opening slot extending along at least one of the side surfacesthereof, with a predetermined configuration to receive the anchorportion of the accessory therein.
 58. A method as set forth in claim 56,including: forming in the fence beam second and third outwardly-openingslots extending along the side surfaces thereof, each with apredetermined configuration to receive the anchor portion of theaccessory therein.
 59. A furniture system as set forth in claim 58,including: forming in the fence beam a fourth outwardly-opening slotextending along the bottom surface thereof, with a predeterminedconfiguration to receive the anchor portion of the accessory therein.60. A method for dividing open office space and the like into individualworkstations, comprising: providing at least one accessory having ananchor portion thereof adapted to detachably mount the accessoryadjacent an associated one of the workstations and an accessory portionthereof configured to equip the associated workstation; providing aprefabricated partition panel furniture arrangement including aplurality of individual panels; detachably interconnecting the panels ina generally side-by-side relationship to define at least a portion ofone of the workstations; providing a panel trim member including a firstaccessory mount extending along a substantial portion of the lengththereof, with a predetermined configuration to mate with the anchorportion of the accessory for selectively mounting the accessory at oneof a variety of positions along the trim member; detachably connectingthe panel trim member with an associated one of the panels; providing aprefabricated post-and-beam furniture arrangement including at least onepost supported on a floor surface of the open office space in agenerally vertical orientation and at least one beam having at least aportion thereof supported on the post in a generally horizontalorientation, and including a second accessory mount extending along asubstantial portion of the length of the one post, with a predeterminedconfiguration to mate with the anchor portion of the accessory forselectively mounting the accessory at one of a variety of positionsalong the one post, and wherein the predetermined configuration of thefirst accessory mount on the panel trim member is substantiallyidentical with the predetermined configuration of the second accessorymount on the one post, such that the anchor portion of the accessory canbe mated with both to detachably mount the accessory either on the paneltrim member or the one post; and detachably mounting the accessory onone of the first accessory mount and the second accessory mount topersonalize the associated workstation.
 61. A method as set forth inclaim 60, wherein: said post-and-beam furniture providing step includesproviding a short post.
 62. A method as set forth in claim 61, wherein:said post-and beam furniture providing step comprises providing a shortbeam with a generally X-shaped plan configuration defined by fouroutwardly-extending flanges.
 63. A method as set forth in claim 61,wherein: said post-and-beam furniture providing step includes forming anoutwardly-opening slot extending along at least one of the short postflanges to define the second accessory mount.
 64. A method as set forthin claim 61, wherein: said post-and-beam furniture providing stepincludes forming outwardly-opening slots extending along at least two ofthe short post flanges to define the second accessory mount.
 65. Amethod as set forth in claim 61, wherein: said post-and-beam furnitureproviding step includes forming outwardly-opening slots extending alongeach of the short post flanges to define the second accessory mount. 66.A method as set forth in claim 65, wherein: said panel trim memberproviding step includes forming an outwardly-opening slot along the trimmember to define the first accessory mount.
 67. A method as set forth inclaim 66, wherein: said post-and-beam furniture providing step includesforming an outwardly-opening slot extending along the beam to define thesecond accessory mount.
 68. A method as set forth in claim 67, wherein:the beam includes a top surface, a bottom surface and opposite sidesurfaces; and including positioning the outwardly-opening slot on saidfence beam along the top surface of the beam.
 69. A method as set forthin claim 68, wherein: said post-and-beam furniture providing stepincludes providing a fence beam to define the beam.
 70. A furnituresystem for dividing open office space and the like into individualworkstations, comprising: at least one accessory having an anchorportion thereof adapted to detachably mount said accessory on saidfurniture system, and an accessory portion thereof configured to equipan associated one of said workstations; a prefabricated partition panelfurniture arrangement including a plurality of individual panelsdetachably interconnected in a generally side-by-side relationship, andarranged to define at least a portion of one of said workstations; atleast one of said panels having a trim member including a firstaccessory mount extending along a substantial portion of the lengththereof, with a predetermined configuration to mate with the anchorportion of said accessory for selectively mounting said accessory at oneof a variety of positions along said trim member; a prefabricatedpost-and-beam furniture arrangement including at least one postsupported on a floor surface of the open office space in a generallyvertical orientation and at least one beam having at least a portionthereof supported on said post in a generally horizontal orientation,and including a second accessory mount extending along a substantialportion of the length of said one beam, with a predeterminedconfiguration to mate with the anchor portion of said accessory forselectively mounting said accessory at one of a variety of positionsalong said one beam; and wherein said predetermined configuration ofsaid first accessory mount on said trim member is substantiallyidentical with said predetermined configuration of said second accessorymount on said one beam, such that said anchor portion of said accessorycan be mated with both to detachably mount said accessory either on saidtrim member or said one beam.
 71. A furniture system as set forth inclaim 70, wherein: said one post includes said second accessory mountextending along a substantial portion of the length thereof forselectively mounting said accessory at one of a variety of positionsalong said one post.
 72. A furniture system as set forth in claim 71,wherein: said one post comprises a short post.
 73. A furniture system asset forth in claim 50, wherein: said one beam comprises a fence beam.74. A furniture system as set forth in claim 72, wherein: said one beamcomprises a fence beam.
 75. A furniture system as set forth in claim 74,wherein: said first accessory mount comprises an outwardly-opening slotextending along said trim member; and said second accessory mountcomprises an outwardly-opening slot extending along said fence beam, andsaid short post.
 76. A furniture system as set forth in claim 75,wherein: said fence beam includes a top surface, a bottom surface andopposite side surfaces; and said outwardly-opening slot on said fencebeam extends along said top surface of said fence beam, and defines afirst outwardly-opening slot.
 77. A furniture system as set forth inclaim 76, wherein: said fence beam includes a second outwardly-openingslot extending along at least one of said side surfaces thereof, with apredetermined configuration to receive the anchor portion of saidaccessory therein.
 78. A furniture system as set forth in claim 76,wherein: said fence beam includes second and third outwardly-openingslots extending along said side surfaces thereof, each with apredetermined configuration to receive the anchor portion of saidaccessory therein.
 79. A furniture system as set forth in claim 78,wherein: said fence beam includes a fourth outwardly-opening slotextending along said bottom surface thereof, with a predeterminedconfiguration to receive the anchor portion of said accessory therein.80. A furniture system as set forth in claim 79, wherein: said accessorycomprises a plurality of accessories, each having a commonly configuredanchor portion thereof to detachably mount the same on said furnituresystem, and a differently configured accessory portion thereof tovariously equip the workstations.
 81. A furniture system as set forth inclaim 80, wherein: at least one of said accessories is detachablymounted in said first slot on said fence beam.
 82. A furniture system asset forth in claim 81, wherein: at least one of said accessories isdetachably mounted in said second slot on said fence beam.
 83. Afurniture system as set forth in claim 82, wherein: at least one of saidaccessories is detachably mounted in said third slot on said fence beam.84. A furniture system as set forth in claim 83, wherein: at least oneof said accessories is detachably mounted in said fourth slot on saidfence beam.
 85. A furniture system as set forth in claim 84, wherein: atleast one of said accessories is detachably mounted in said slot on saidtrim member.
 86. A furniture system as set forth in claim 85, wherein:at least one of said accessories is detachably mounted in said slot onsaid short post.
 87. A furniture system as set forth in claim 86,wherein: said accessories include a slatwall.
 88. A furniture system asset forth in claim 87, wherein: said accessories include awritable/erasable board.
 89. A furniture system as set forth in claim88, wherein: said accessories include a work surface.
 90. A furnituresystem for dividing open office space and the like into individualworkstations, comprising: at least one accessory having an anchorportion thereof adapted to detachably mount said accessory on saidfurniture system, and an accessory portion thereof configured to equipan associated one of said workstations; a prefabricated post-and-beamfurniture arrangement including a plurality of posts supported on afloor surface of the open office space in a generally verticalorientation and a plurality of beams supported on said posts in agenerally horizontal orientation, and arranged on said posts to defineat least a portion of one of said workstations; at least one of saidposts and said beams including a first accessory mount extending along asubstantial portion of the length thereof, with a predeterminedconfiguration to mate with the anchor portion of said accessory forselectively mounting said accessory at one of a variety of positionsalong said one of said posts and said beams; at least one fence beamhaving at least a portion thereof supported on an associated one of saidposts and said beams, and including a second accessory mount extendingalong a substantial portion of the length thereof, with a predeterminedconfiguration to mate with the anchor portion of said accessory forselectively mounting said accessory at one of a variety of positionsalong said beam; and wherein said predetermined configuration of saidfirst accessory mount on said one of said posts and said beams issubstantially identical with said predetermined configuration of saidsecond accessory mount on said fence beam, such that said anchor portionof said accessory can be mated with both to detachably mount saidaccessory either on said one of said posts and said beams or said fencebeam.
 91. A furniture system as set forth in claim 90, wherein: at leastone of said posts includes a short post supporting at least a portion ofsaid fence beam.
 92. A furniture system as set forth in claim 91,wherein: said fence beam has a lateral cross-sectional configurationthat is substantially similar to the lateral cross-sectionalconfiguration of said beams.
 93. A furniture system as set forth inclaim 92, wherein: said short post has a lateral cross-sectionalconfiguration that is substantially similar to the lateralcross-sectional configuration of said posts.